Gardening Tips

Tips for Small Gardens

There are various tricks that can be used in a garden to make them appear bigger. Think creatively and the possibilities are endless.

Creating a focal point at the end of a path or lawn draws the eye and helps give the impression that the garden is bigger than it is. The cheapest method of creating a focal point is with plants.
In very small gardens the size can appear to be doubled by the careful use of mirrors. A reflection of the garden in a doorway or window can make it appear as if there is more garden beyond.
Mow the lawn in stripes that go away from the viewer, this will make it appear much longer. Lawns mowed across will make it seem shorter.
The use of colour can also cause deceit in the garden. Pale blues at the end of the border will make it look further away. While bright reds will make the border look closer than it really is.
Another trick is to ensure that it is not possible to see the whole garden in one glance. Archways and trellises are a means of moving from one area to another creating the impression that the garden goes on and on.

Tips for a Low Maintenance Garden.

The is no doubt that the best gardens require a lot of attention but with a little careful planning an attractive garden can be created with the minimum amount of effort. However, plants are kept in a much better condition and are easier to look after if they are attended to regularly

Combat weeds by using mulch. Cover the borders with 10cm of bark and weed seed will not germinate.
Mulch also helps prevent water from evaporating from the surface of the soil.
Grow things in pots and containers. They require more watering than open borders but need less attention overall. However the amount of watering can be reduced by adding water retaining granules to the compost at the time of planting. Also a slow release fertilizer added to the compost will supply nutrients for several months.

Planting Bulbs in Grass

When planting bulbs for naturalising in grass, first cut the grass as short as possible. Random rather than regimented planting achieves a more natural effect so scatter the bulbs by hand and plant them where they fall.

Planting Large Bulbs in Grass

Scatter the bulbs over the planting area and then make sure they are at least their own width apart.
Make a hole using a bulb planter to remove a circle of turf and a core of soil to a depth of 10-15cm (4-6 in).
Place a pinch of bone-meal mixed with a little soil in to each hole and place the bulb in the hole making sure that the growing tip faces upwards.
Cover the bulb with the soil from the core.
Replace the circle of turf and firm it down gently. Fill in any gaps in the turf with a little more soil.

Planting Small Bulbs in Grass

Using a spade cut an H shape into the turf.
Under cut the turf and fold back to expose the soil.
Using a hand fork loosen the soil beneath to a depth of 7cm (3in) mixing in a little bone-meal.
Press the bulbs randomly into the soil.
Score the underside of the turf with the hand fork (the bulbs will then be able to penetrate the turf more easily).
Roll the turf back into position and firm it down particularly along the joints.

Planting Bulbs in Pots

Before planting bulbs in pots make sure that they have sufficient drainage holes. This is essential to allow the water to drain away quickly.

Place a layer of small stones or pebbles over the drainage holes.
Plant the bulbs at twice their own depth and one bulbʼs width apart with the growing tip facing upwards. Make sure that each bulb has at least 2.5cm (1 in) of moist compost beneath it.
Cover the bulbs with compost to 1cm below the rim and top dress with grit as this will help to retain the moisture.
Raise pots off the ground with bricks or ʻpot feetʼ as this stops water accumulating in the base and it helps guard against frost damage.

To provide a display of flowers over a prolonged period, choose some bulbs that come into flower at different times and plant them in the same container. Position the early and late flowering bulbs in layers, each at approximately twice its own depth.

Today there is an enormous variety of pots and containers on the market. Here is a guide to help you choose which ones are suitable for you.